Child: Can I have this?
ME: No.
CHILD: Ah, perhaps I've miscommunicated. I'm asking for it because I want it.
ME: I understood that, actually.
CHILD: So, I assume you've had a change of heart.
ME: No, I haven't and you mayn't have it.
CHILD: I think maybe you're not hearing me. I'd like it because I want it.
ME: I've heard you quite well, I'm saying that's not actually an argument.
CHILD: PERHAPS IF I SAID IT LOUDER.
ME: There's no problem with my hearing. The problem is that your argument is, as the Romans would say, circulus in probando.
CHILD: Well then, let me offer this NEW information. I'm asking for it because I want it.
ME: That's the same information. That's what you just said, and it's also the information I assumed when we started. It wasn't new information when it was first introduced, it's the basis for this entire conversation.
CHILD: So, can I have it?
ME: Wh...? No! Sorry. No. Why would you think you can have it now?
CHILD: What if I ask more politely?
ME: I support your decision to behave more politely, and it might increase your chances of getting the next thing you want, but it won't affect your access to this thing now.
CHILD: Can I have part of it?
ME: No - No, the having of it is what I'm saying NO to. You can't have it, having part of it is the same as having it.
CHILD: So can I have all of it?
ME: NO. I'm answering the same question. The answer is NO.
CHILD: Why not?
ME: BECAUSE I'M THE GROWNUP AND I SAID SO NOW QUIT ASKING ME AND GO DO SOMETHING ELSE BESIDES TALK TO ME FOR THE LOVE OF GOD OR I WILL LITERALLY BLOW UP FROM SITTING ON MY ANGER AND IMAGINING HOW MUCH TROUBLE I WOULD BE IN IF I PULLED THIS SHIT WITH MY PARENTS IN 1978.
CHILD: Why are you yelling?
ME: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell, I'm really sorry.
CHILD: That's okay. So... Can I have it?


Link: https://www.facebook.com/SeanCharlesWilliams/posts/10153688626947755?fref=nf